■n 

-? 


537 
I8fc7 


lA 
o 


P 
o 

5 


BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


v^ ; 

"?m   CONSTITUTION 


M.\W.\  GliAND  LODGE 


OF  CALIFORNIA,  AND  MASONIC 
JUR]  ,   THEREUNTO  BELONGING, 


£m  mi  gvwiptol  f$to 


'   tON   WITH  lL    GRAND   LODGE   OF 

UNITED  AMERICA,   AS 

.  A.  L.  5867. 


C  ISC 
1867. 


CONSTITUTION^  ' -=g 

OF    THE 

M.\W.\  GRAND  LODGF 


FOR  THE  STATE  OF  CALIFORNIA,  AND  MASONIC 
JURISDICTION  THEREUNTO  BELONGING, 


ixu  mi  %ttt$tfL  IjteWM, 


IN  UNION  WITH  THE  NATIONAL  GRAND  LODGE  OF 

THE    UNITED    STATES    OF   NORTH    AMERICA,   AS 

REVISED  AND  ADOPTED  SEPT.  19th,  A.  L.  5867. 


fJ* 


SAN    FRANCISCO: 

PRANK    EASTMAN,   PRINTER,    509    CLAY  STREET. 
1867. 


HS637 
C  2,4  23 

W  @f  L@®@IS,  ©to.    /  ?(}  7 


Hannibal  Lodge  No.  1,  San  Francisco — B.Fletcher,  W.\ 
M.\ ;   A.  F.  Phillips,  Secretary.     Meets  every  Wednesday. 

PhilomatheanlLodgeNo.  2,  Sacramento — N.  A.  Christopher, 
W.\  M.\ ;  J.  H.  Hubbard,  Secretary.     Meets  every  Monday. 

Victoria  Lodge  No.  3,  San  Francisco— D.  W.  Buggies,  W.-, 
M.*. ;  J.  B.  Sanderson,  Secretary.    Meets  every  Monday. 

Mount  Moriah  Lodge  No.  4,  Nevada,  California— D.  D. 
Carter,  W.\  M.\;  L.  H.  Gardner,  Secretary,  Meets  every 
Monday. 

Laurel  Lodge  No.  5,  Marysville— I.  M.Wiley,  W.\  M.\. ; 
Jonathan  B.  Johnson,  Secretary.    Meets  every  Monday. 

Landmark  Lodge  No.  6,  Sonora — Martin  Jackson,  W.\  M.\ ; 
Samuel  Collet,  Secretary.     Meets  every  Monday. 

Ashlar  Lodge  No.  7,  Virginia  City,  Nev. — George  Cottle, 
W.\  M.\;  James  M.  M.  Moody,  Secretary.  Meets  every 
Monday. 


VfiAJ]  l\  |,l 


GRAND  OFFICERS,  A.  L.  5867. 

if.'.  IF.-.  J.  M.  Whitfield Grand  Master. 

R.\   W. '.  D.  D.  Carter Deputy  Grand  Master. 

R.\  W.\  James  Johnson Senior  Grand  Warden. 

R.'.  W.'.I.  M.  Wiley Junior  Grand  Warden. 

R.\   W.\  Barney  Fletcher Grand  Treasurer. 

R.'.  W.'.  S.  P.  Clarke Grand  Secretary. 

Reverend  J.  J.  Moore Grand  Chaplain. 

Reverend  I.  M.  D.  Ward Grand  Orator. 

J.  R.  Starkey Grand  Marshal. 

Isaiah  C.  Dunlap Senior  Grand  Deacon. 

J.  B.  Sanderson Junior  Grand  Deacon. 

John  Adams Grand  Standard  Bearer. 

John  Gale Grand  Sword  Bearer. 

J.  M.  Flowers Grand  Bible  Bearer. 

A.  Osborne Grand  Steward. 

E.  Cooper Grand  Steward. 

T.  E.  Randolph Grand  Pursuivant. 

L.  H.  Brooks Grand   Tyler. 

Committee  of  Foreign  Correspondence, 

J.  A.  Barber,       N.  A.  Christopher,        J.  B.  Sanderson, 

S.  P.  Clarke,  J.  R.  Johnson. 


CHAPTER  I.— OF  THE  GRAND  LODGE. 
ARTICLE  t. 

TITLE,    JURISDICTION,    MEMBERSHIP,    ETC. 

Section  1.  Style  and  Title — The  style  and  title  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  shall  be  "  The  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge 
for  the  State  of  California,  and  Masonic  Jurisdiction  there- 
unto belonging,  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons."  In  union 
with  the  National  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  of  North 
America. 

Sec  2.  Extent  of  Jurisdiction — The  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  shall  extend  over  the  State  of  California,  and 
all  the  other  States  and  Territories  lying  wholly  or  partially 
west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in  which  there  is  not  a  Grand 
Lodge  in  union  with  the  National  Grand  Lodge.  It  shall 
have  a  seal  (bearing  such  devices  and  inscriptions  as  have 
been,  or  may  hereafter  be,  determined  on),  which  shall  be 
impressed  upon  all  documents  issued  by  its  authority. 

Sec  3.  Of  Membership — The  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  com- 
posed of  the  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand  Master,  Senior 
Grand  Warden,  Junior  Grand  Warden,  Grand  Treasu- 
rer, Grand  Secretary,  and  the  past  officers  of  the  same  rank; 
of  the  Grand  Chaplain,  Grand  Orator,  Grand  Marshal,  Senior 
Grand  Deacon,  Junior  Grand  Deacon,  Grand  Standard 
Bearer,  Grand  Sword  Bearer,  Grand  Bible  Bearer,  two  Grand 
Stewards,  Grand  Pursuivant,  and  Grand  Tyler;  of  the  Mas- 
ters and  Wardens  of  all  chartered  Lodges,  and  the  regular 
Past  Masters  of  all  chartered  Lodges  under  this  jurisdiction, 
each  of  whom  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote,  and  in  all  tie 
votes,  except  election,  the  Grand  Master  shall  have,  in  addi- 
tion, the  casting  vote.     In  addition  to  the  individual  votes 


of  members,  each  Subordinate  Lodge  shall  be  entitled  to 
three  votes,  to  be  cast  by  its  Master  and  Wardens.  In  case 
of  the  absence  of  one  of  them,  the  senior  officer  present 
shall  cast  two  of  the  three  votes,  and  if  but  one  of  them  is 
present,  he  shall  cast  the  three  votes  of  the  Lodge ;  and  any 
brother  acting  as  proxy  for  one  or  more  Lodges,  shall  be  en- 
titled to  cast  the  whole  vote  of  each  Lodge  he  represents. 

Sec.  4tt  Of  Communications — The  Grand  Lodge,  so  con- 
stituted, shall  meet  in  San  Francisco,  in  Grand  Annual  Com- 
munication, at  such  time  between  the  fifteenth  and  twenty- 
first  of  June  inclusive,  of  each  year,  as  the  Grand  Master 
may,  by  public  notice,  appoint.  Special  Communications 
may  be  ordered  by  the  Grand  Master  whenever,  in  his 
opinion,  the  welfare  of  the  fraternity  may  require  it.  Every 
order  for  a  special  Communication  shall  designate  the  object 
thereof,  so  far  as  is  proper  to  be  written,  and  shall  be  issued 
to  each  Lodge  and  Grand  officer  at  least  fifteen  days  before 
the  day  named  for  meeting.  The  officers  or  representatives 
of  at  least  three  chartered  Lodges  shall  be  necessary  in  order 
to  open  any  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the 
transaction  of  business,  but  upon  occasions  of  ceremony 
only,  the  Grand  Master,  or  his  duly  authorized  representa- 
tive, with  a  sufficient  number  of  brethren  to  fill  the  offices, 
may,  at  any  time,  open  the  Grand  Lodge  and  perform  the 
ceremony  for  which  it  was  convened. 

Sec.  5.  Of  its  Powers  and  Authority — The  Grand  Lodge 
is  the  supreme  Masonic  power  and  authority  in  this  jurisdic- 
tion, possessing  all  the  attributes  of  sovereignty — legislative, 
executive,  and  judicial,  limited  only  by  a  strict  adherence  to 
the  ancient  landmarks  of  the  Order,  and  the  provisions  of 
the  Constitution  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge, 

Sec.  6.  Of  Election — The  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  Grand  Wardens,  Grand  Treasurer,  and  Grand  Secre- 
tary, shall  be  elected  by  ballot  upon  the  third  evening  of 
each  Annual  Communication;  shall  be  installed  before  its 
close;  and  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  until  their  sue- 


f 

cessors  are  elected  and  installed,  and  a  majority  of  all  the 
votes  east  shall  be  necessary  to  an  election.  All  other  Grand 
officers  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master,  immediately 
after  his  installation,  at  each  Annual  Communication ;  shall 
be  properly  invested  before  the  close  thereof ;  and  shall 
hold  their  respective  offices  during  his  will  and  pleasure. 
Whenever  a  vacancy  shall  occur  in  any  elective  office  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  the  Grand  Master  shall  have  power  to  fill  the 
same  by  appointment,  which  appointment  shall  be  valid  un- 
til the  succeeding  annual  election  and  installation ;  and  the 
officer  so  appointed  shall  be  charged  with  all  the  duties  and 
responsibilities  of  one  regularly  elected.  Every  member  of 
this  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  eligible  to  any  office  therein,  and 
may  be  elected  whether  he  be  present  or  absent. 

Sec.  7.  Of  Voting— All  questions  before  the  Grand  Lodge, 
except  election  of  officers,  shall  be  decided  by  the  usual 
show  of  hands.  No  Past  Grand  officer,  or  Past  Master, 
voting  in  one  of  those  capacities,  s'hall  vote  in  the  other  of 
them;  but  any  such  member  may,  as  Master,  Warden,  or 
proxy  of  a  Lodge,  cast  also  the  vote,  or  votes,  to  which  such 
position  entitles  him. 

Sec.  8.  The  following  regular  committees,  to  consist  of 
three  members  each,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter at  the  commencement  of  each  Annual  Communication, 
namely:  A  Committee  on  Credentials,  a  Committee  on 
Grievances,  a  Committee  on  Finance,  a  Committee  on  Char- 
ters, By-Laws,  and  Returns  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  In  ad- 
dition to  which  the  Grand  Master  elect  shall  appoint  a  stand- 
ing committee  of  five  on  Foreign  Correspondence.  Special 
committees  may  also  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master 
whenever  it  may  be  deemed  necessary  by  the  Grand  Lodge, 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF  REVENUE  AND  FEES. 

Section  1.  Of  Revenue — The  revenue  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
shall  be  derived  from  fees  charged  for  dispensations,  char- 


8 

ters,  diplomas,  dimits,  and  other  documents  issued  under 
ts  authority;  from  uniform  assessments  levied  upon  the 
Lodges  for  members,  affiliations  and  degrees ;  and  from  the 
funds  and  property  of  dissolved  Lodges,  which  shall,  in  all 
cases,  revert  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  Of  Fees — The  following  shall  be  the  fees  charged 
as  above :  For  a  dispensation  to  open  a  new  Lodge,  including 
five  dollars  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  thirty  dollars;  for  a 
charter  or  warrant  of  Constitution,  including  five  dollars  fee 
to  the  Grand  Secretary,  thirty  dollars;  for  a  dispensation  to 
hold  an  election  outside  of  the  regular  time,  including  tvvo 
dollars  fee  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  five  dollars;  for  a  dispen- 
sation to  ballot  for  a  candidate  for  the  degrees  without  the 
reference  to  a  committee  and  laying  over  to  the  next  si  ated 
communication,  five  dollars,  including  two  dollars  fee  to  the 
Grand  Secretary;  for  a  diploma,  dimit,  or  certificate  of  mem- 
bership, the  brother  furnishing  the  written  or  printed  form, 
two  dollars.  In  no  case  shall  either  of  the  foregoing  docu- 
ments be  issued  until  the  fees  therefor  shall  be  paid. 

Sec.  3.  Of  Assessments— The  following  assessments  shall 
be  paid  as  annual  due  s  by  each  of  the  Lodges,  whether  char- 
tered or  under  dispensation.  For  each  degree  it  shall  have 
conferred  during  the  year,  the  sum  of  fifty  cents.  For  each 
member  it  shall  have  received  during  the  year,  the  sum  of 
fifty  cents.  For  each  Master  Mason  borne  upon  its  roll  at 
the  date  of  its  annual  return,  the  sum  of  fifty  cents.  The 
Grand  Lodge  may  levy  such  additional  assessments  as  it 
may  think  proper. 

CHAPTER  II.— OF  THE  GRAND  MASTER. 

ARTICLE"  I. 

PREROGATIVES  OF  THE   GRAND   MASTER. 

Section  1.  To  preside  over  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  over 
any  Subordinate,  wb^  w  •   -vt. 


9 

Sec.  2.  To  call  emergent  Communications  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  of  any  Subordinate  Lodge,  as  often  as  he  may 
deem  it  expedient. 

Sec.  3.  To  appoint  all  committees  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  to  be  ex  officio  the  chairman  thereof. 

Sec  4.  To  determine  all  questions  of  order  in  Grand 
Lodge,  without  appeal. 

Sec  5.     To  fill  all  vacancies  in  office  in  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec  6.  To  make  Masons  at  sight — this  power  being,  how- 
ever, restricted  to  the  conferring  of  the  degrees  according  to 
the  ritual,  in  the  presence  of  a  lawful  number  of  Masons, 
and  of  all  the  necessary  elements  of  a  regular  Lodge ;  the 
presence  of  the  Grand  Master  supplying  the  warrant. 

Sec  7.  To  grant  dispensations  for  the  formation  of  new 
Lodges,  or  for  the  revival  of  decayed  Lodges,  and  to  revoke 
the  same  at  pleasure. 

Sec  8.  To  arrest  the  charter  of  Lodges,  and  to  suspend 
the  functions  of  Masters  of  Lodges  until  the  next  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec  9.  To  grant  dispensations  to  Lodges  for  the  election 
for  officers  when  the  first  three  offices  for  any  cause  shall  be 
vacant,  or  when  default  shall  be  made  in  the  election  of  toffi- 
cers  on  the  day  of  the  annual  election. 

Sec  10.  To  exercise,  temporarily,  all  the  powers  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  during  the  interim  between  its  sessions,  and 
subject  to  its  appproval  at  its  next  session. 

Sec  11.  To  grant  dispensations,  on  good  cause  shown, 
authorizing  the  installation  of  a  Master  elect,  who  is  not  a 
Past  Warden. 

Sec  12.  To  grant  dispensations  shortening  the  time  in 
which  any  act  is  required  to  be  done. 

Sec  13.  Exemption  from  trial  during  his  term  of  office, 
and  afterward  for  any  official  act  while  Grand  Master. 

Sec  14.  To  perform  any  act  necessary  for  the  enforce- 
ment of  his  prerogatives  or  the  orders  of  the  Grand  Lodge* 


10 

Sec.  15.  To  give  give  the  casting  vote  in  case  of  a  tie,  in 
addition  to  his  own  vote. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF  THE  DUTIES   OF  THE   OK  AND   MASTER. 

Section  1.  To  discharge  all  the  necessary  functions  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  when  that  body  is  not  in  session. 

Sec.  2.  To  exercise  a  general  and  careful  supervision 
over  the  Craft,  and  see  that  the  Constitution  and  regulations 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  strictly  maintained,  supported  and 
obeyed. 

Sec  3.  To  constitute  all  chartered  Lodges,  either  in  per- 
son or  by  a  duly  authorized  representative,  in  accordance 
with  the  ancient  usages  and  regulations. 

Sec  4.  To  pregent,  at  each  Annual  Communication,  a 
written  message,  setting  forth  therein  all  his  official  acts 
during  the  year,  exhibiting  the  general  condition  of  Masonry 
throughout  the  jurisdiction,  and  recommending  such  legis- 
lation as  he  may  deem  necesary  or  expedient  for  the  welfare 
of  the  Order. 

CHAPTER  III.^OF  THE  GRAND  OFFICERS, 

ARTICLE  I. 

ELECTIVE  OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  duty  of  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  is  to 
assist  the  Grand  Master  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  and 
in  case  of  his  absence  or  inability,  to  preside  in  the  Commu- 
nications of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  perform  all  the  duties  of 
Grand  Master. 

Sec.  2.  Of  the  Grand  Wardens— In  the  absence  or  inability 
of  both  the  Grand  Master  and  Deputy  Grand  Master,  the 
Grand  Wardens,  according  to  seniority,  succeed  to  the  pow- 
ers and  duties  of  the  Grand  Mastership.  In  the  absence  or 
inability  of  them  all,  the  Master  of  the  oldest  Lodge  is  to 
preside,  in  regular  succession, 


11 

Sec.  3.  Of  the  Grand  Treasurer — The  duty  of  the  Grand 
Treasurer  is  to  receive  all  moneys  belonging  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  from  the  Grand  Secretary,  giving  duplicate  receipts 
therefor,  and  keeping,  in  proper  books,  a  just  account  there- 
of. To  take  charge  of  all  other  property  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  keeping  an  accurate  account  of  the  same.  To  pay  all 
orders  drawn  upon  the  proper  funds,  when  signed  by  the 
Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary.  To  attend  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  all  its  Communications,  and  the  Grand  Master, 
when  required,  with  the  books  and  all  necessary  papers  ap- 
pertaining to  his  office.  To  report  at  each  Annual  Commu- 
nication a  detailed  account  of  his  receipts  and  disburements ; 
present  a  statement  of  the  existing  condition  of  its  property 
and  finances,  and  at  the  end  of  his  term  pay  over  and  trans- 
fer to  his  successor  all  funds  or  property  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  remaining  in  his  possession. 

Sec.  4.  Of  the  Grand  Secretary — The  duty  of  the  Grand 
Secretary  is  to  record  all  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  which  are  proper  to  be  written;  to  receive  and  keep 
on  file  all  papers  and  documents  addressed  to  or  belonging  to 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  present  such  as  may  require  its  action 
at  each  Annual  Communication.  To  keep  the  seal  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  affix  the  same,  with  his  attestation,  to  all 
instruments  emanating  from  that  body.  To  collect  all 
moneys  due  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  keep  a  correct  account 
thereof,  in  proper  books,  and  pay  the  same  to  the  Grand 
Treasurer.  To  report  at  each  Annual  Communication  a  de- 
tailed account  of  all  moneys  received  by  him  during  the 
year,  with  a  specific  statement  of  the  sources  whence  they 
were  derived,  presenting  therewith  the  receipts  of  the  Grand 
Treasurer  therefor.  To  report  all  Lodges  which  shall  be  in 
arrears  to  the  urand  Lodge,  or  whi<5h  shall  neglect  or  refuse 
to  comply  with  any  provision  of  its  Constitution  or  regula- 
tion. To  conduct  the  correspondence  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  submit  copies  thereof  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
for  its  inspection.    To  attend  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its 


12 

Communications,  and  the  Grand  Master  when  required,  with 
the  books  and  all  necessary  papers  appertaining  to  his  office. 
To  transmit  to  each  Lodge  within  the  jurisdiction,  once  in 
every  six  months,  a  list  of  all  rejections,  suspensions,  ex- 
pulsions, and  restorations,  of  which  he  shall  have  been 
notified  by  the  several  Lodges.  To  present  at  each  Annual 
Communication  an  estimate  of  the  probable  income  from 
the  known  sources  of  revenue  during  the  year.  To  issue 
notices  of  any  special  Communication  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Master  to  each  Lodge  and  Grand  officer  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion. To  issue  notices  to  each  Lodge  of  the  granting  of  a 
dispensation  by  the  Grand  Master  for  the  formation  of  a 
new  Lodge.  To  take  charge  of  the  j ewe's,  furniture,  cloth- 
ing and  paraphernalia  of  the  Grand  Lodge  during  its  vaca- 
tions. To  furnish  every  Grand  officer  elected  or  appointed 
with  a  certificate  of  such  election  or  appointment.  To  report 
at  each  Annual  Communication  all  unfinished  business  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  present  such  other  matters  to  its 
notice  as  may  properly  come  within  his  province,  and  to  per- 
form all  such  other  duties  appertaining  to  his  office  as  the 
Grand  Lodge  may  direct.  He  shall  receive  such  compensa- 
tion for  his  services  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct.  He 
may,  with  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Master,  appoint  an  As- 
sistant Grand  Secretary,  for  whose  official  acts  he  shall  be 
responsible,  and  who  shall  be  considered  an  appointed  officer 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  shall  receive  such  compensation 
for  his  services  as  it  may  direct. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF  THE  APPOINTED  GRAND  OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Chaplain,  during 
each  Communication,  to  perform  such  services  appertaining 
to  his  office,  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  2.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Orator,  at  each  Annual 
Communication,  to  deliver  an  address  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
upon  matters  appertaining  to  the  Craft. 


13 

Sec.  3.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Gland  Marshal  to  proclaim 
the  Grand  officers  at  their  installation,  and  to  make  such 
other  proclamations  as  the  Grand  Master  may  direct;  to  in- 
troduce the  representatives  of  other  Grand  Lodges,  and  all 
visiting  brethren  of  distinction;  to  conduct  all  processions 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  under  the  direction  of  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter, and  perform  such  other  duties  proper  to  his  office  as 
may  be  required. 

Sec.  4.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Deacons  to  assist  the 
Grand  Master  and  the  Grand  Wardens  in  such  manner  as 
the  ancient  usages  of  the  Craft  prescribe. 

Sec.  5.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Standard  Bearer  to 
bear  the  banner  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  all  processions,  and 
at  all  public  ceremonies. 

Sec  6.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Sword  Bearer  to  attend 
upbn  the  Grand  Master  and  bear  the  sword  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  in  all  processions,  and  at  all  public  ceremonies. 

Sec.  7.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Bible  Bearer  to  bear 
the  Holy  Scriptures  in  all  processions,  and  at  all  public  cere- 
monies. 

Sec.  8.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Stewards  to  superin- 
tend the  preparations  for  all  festive  occasions  directed  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  to  provide  suitable  rafreshments  at  its 
Communications ;  provided,  that  they  shall  not  incur  an  ex- 
pense of  more  than  twenty- five  dollars  at  one  Communica- 
tion, unless  authorized  to  do  so  by  a  vote  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  9.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Pursuivant  to  guard 
the  inner  door  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  communicate  with 
the  Grand  Tyler  without;  to  announce  all  applicants  for 
admission,  by  their  names  and  proper  Masonic  titles,  and 
see  that  all  who  enter  wear  the  jewel  and  clothing  proper  to 
their  rank,  and  to  allow  none  to  withdraw  who  have  not  ob- 
tained permission  to  do  so  from  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  10.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Tyler  to  guard  the 
outer  door  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  communicate  with  the 
Grand  Pursuivant  within ;  to  report  all  applicants  for  ad- 


u 

mission  to  the  Grand  Pursuivant,  and  see  that  all  who  enter 
are  duly  authorized,  and  properly  clothed ;  to  make  suitable 
preparations  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at 
all  its  Communications,  and  see  that  the  hall  is  kept  in  order; 
to  take  charge  of  and  safely  keep  the  jewels,  furniture  and 
clothing  of  the  Grand  Lodge  during  its  communications ;  to 
carry  all  notices  and  summonses,  and  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  or 
Grand  Master.  He  shall  receive  for  his  services  such  com- 
pensation as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 

CHAPTER  IT.— OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGES. 

ARTICLE  I. 

ORGANIZATION/ 

Section  1.  How  Formed — A  Lodge  can  only  be  formed 
by  authority  of  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master,  or  of 
a  charter  from  the  Grand  Lodge.  At  every  Grand  Commu- 
nication the  Grand  Master  shall  make  a  report  of  all  Lodges 
under  dispensation;  when  the  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  a 
charter,  or  continue  the  new  Lodge  under  dispensation.  If 
a  charter  is  granted,  the  Grand  Master  shall  constitute  the 
new  Lodge  in  person,  or  by  proxy,  as  soon  as  convenient. 
A  Lodge  shall  consist  of  a  Master,  Senior  and  Junior  War- 
dens, Treasurer,  Secretary,  Senior  and  Junior  Deacons,  two 
Stewards,  and  Tyler,  with  as  many  members  as  it  may  find 
convenient. 

Sec.  2.  Of  the  Powers  and  Duties  of  a  Lodge — The  powers 
and  privileges  of  a  Lodge  are  such  as  are  authorized  by  its 
dispensation  or  charter,  by  the  Constitution  and  regulations 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  by  the  general  usages  and  customs 
of  ancient  Freemasonry;  and  are,  1st.  Executive,  in  the 
direction  and  performance  of  its  work  as  prescribed  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  under  the  control  of  the  Master,  and  in  all 
other  matters  in  aid  of  the  Master,  who  is  the  primary  execu- 
tive authority  of  the  Lodge  ;   2d.  Legislative,  including  all 


15 

matters  of  legislation  relative  to  its  internal  concerns,  which 
shall  not  be  in  violation  of  the  general  regulations  and  ancient 
usages  of  Masonry,  or  the  Constitution  and  edicts  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  ;  3d.  Judicial,  embracing  the  exercise  of  dis- 
cipline over  its  own  members  (except  the  Master),  and  all 
other  Masons  within  its  jurisdiction,  and  the  settlement  of 
controversies  between  them,  subject  always  to  revision  by 
the  Grand  Lodge  upon  appeal. 

Sec.  3.  Of  Communications  and  Business-vlZ&ch  Lodge  shall 
have  not  less  than  one  stated  Communication  in  each  calen- 
dar month,  but  may  hold  such  other  communications  as  it 
may  determine,  or  the  Master  may  direct ;  but  no  business 
of  any  kind,  except  collections,  appropriations  for  relief, 
conferring  of  degrees,  ceremonial  observances,  and  the  like, 
shall  be  done  at  any  other  than  a  stated  meeting,  unless  by 
dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  4.  Of  Returns  and  By-Laws — Each  chartered  Lodge 
shall  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary  a  full  and  correct  re- 
turn of  its  transactions  for  the  twelve  months  next  preced- 
ing the  eighth  day  of  June  in  each  year,  within  one  week; 
and  each  Lodge  under  dispensation  shall  transmit  a  similar 
return  from  the  day  of  its  organization  to  the  same  date, 
and  shall  remit  along  with  such  return  the  amount  of  its 
dues  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  year.  Each  chartered  Lodge 
shall  have  a  seal,  with  the  name  and  number  of  the  Lodge, 
date  of  its  charter,  and  any  suitable  devices  engraved  there- 
on, which  shall  be  impressed  upon  all  documents  of  every 
kind  emanating  from  the  Lodge,  or  from  the  Master  or  Sec- 
retary in  their  official  capacity;  and  documents  issued  with- 
out the  impress  of  the  seal,  shall  be  considered  null  and 
void.  Each  Lodge  shall  have  all  official  communications 
from  the  Grand  Master  or  Grand  Secretary  read  in  open 
Lodge  at  the  stated  Communication  next  following  their  re- 
ceipt. Any  Lodge  preparing  a  code  of  By-Laws,  shall  trans- 
mit a  copy  to  the  Grand  Secretary  as  soon  as  adopted ;  but 
np  such  By-Laws,  or  any  subsequent  amendments  thereun- 


16 

to,  shall  be  deemed  valid  until  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge, 
though  they  may  be  acted  under  until  the  next  Annual 
Communication,  if  approved  by  the  Grand  Master.  For  the 
neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty  imposed  upon  a  Lodge 
in  this  Constitution,  its  charter  may  be  suspended  or  for- 
feited; and  for  the  neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty  herein 
imposed  upon  a  Secretary,  his  Lodge  shall  be  held  respon- 
sible. 

ARTICLE  II. 

DISSOLUTION   OF   LODGES. 

Section  1.  A  Lodge  may  be  dissolved  by  the  voluntary 
surrender  of  its  charter,  when  such  surrender  is  accepted 
by  the  Grand  Lodge ;  or  by  the  revocation  of  its  charter  by 
the  Grand  Lodge . 

Sec.  2.  The  charter  of  a  Lodge  may  be  surrendered  when, 
after  timely  notice  and  free  discussion  at  two  successive 
stated  Communications,  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  shall 
vote  in  favor  of  such  surrender ;  provided,  that  under  no  cir- 
cumstances shall  a  charter  be  surrendered  so  long  as  seven 
members  can  be  found  who  desire  to  retain  it;  and  no  act  of 
surrender  shall  be  considered  final  until  it  has  been  approved 
and  accepted  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  The  charter  of  a  Lodge  may  be  forfeited  by,  1st. 
Disobedience  to  any  provision  of  the  Constitution  or  regula- 
tions of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  2d.  Disregard  to  the  lawful  au- 
thority of  the  Grand  Master ;  3d.  Violation  or  neglect  of  the 
ancient  and  recognized  usages  of  the  Craft  ;  4th.  Failure  to 
meet  during  a  period  of  twelve  successive  months ;  but  no 
charter  shall  be  forfeited  unless  charges  against  the  Lodge 
shall  be  presented  to  and  investigated  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  of 
which  charges  the  Lodge  accused  shall  have  due  notice, 
though  the  charter  may  be  arrested  until  the  next  Annual 
Communication,  either  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  the  Grand 
Master,  upon  satisfactory  reasons  therefor  being  shown. 
The  forfeiture  or  arrest  of  the  charter  of  a  Lodge  involves 


17 

the  suspension  of  all  its  members  from  the  rights  and  privi- 
leges of  Masonry,  excepting  those  who  may  be  specially  ex- 
empted from  such  effect. 

Sec.  4.  The  surrender  or  forfeiture  of  the  charter  of  a 
Lodge,  when  declared  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  conclus- 
ive upon  the  Lodge  and  its  members,  and  all  its  funds, 
jewels,  furniture,  dues  and  property,  of  every  kind,  shall  be 
taken  possession  of  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  held  in 
trust  for,  and  subject  to  the  disposition  of,  the  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  III. 

PROHIBITIONS. 

Section  1.  Of  Removals — No  Lodge  shall  remove  its  place 
of  meetings  from  that  named  inits  dispensation  or  charter, 
unless  notice  shall  have  been  given,  at  a  stated  Communica- 
tion, that  a  resolution  for  such  removal  will  be  offered  at  the 
next  succeeding  one,  nor  unless  such  resolution  shall  have 
been  adopted  by  the  votes  of  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  mem- 
bers present  at  such  succeeding  Communication;  nor  shall 
such  removal  then  take  place  until  the  action  of  the  Lodge 
shall  have  been  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand 
Master. 

Sec.  2.  Of  Applicants — All  applications  for  initiation, 
-nd  also  for  affiliation,  must  be  signed  by  the  applicants, 
and  recommended  by  two  regular  Master  Masons,  and  no 
Lodge  shall  ballot  upon  such  application  (except  by  dis- 
pensation from  the  Grand  Master)  until  it  shall  have  been 
referred  to  a  committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  make 
strict  examination  into  the  moral,  mental  and  physical  qual- 
ifications of  the  applicant,  and  report  thereon  at  the  next 
stated  Communication.  No  application  shall  be  withdrawn 
after  reference  to  a  committee,  and  it  shall  require  a  unani- 
mous ballot  to  elect.  But,  if  one  black  ball,  only,  appear 
in  the  ballot  box,  the  Master,  without  declaring  the  result, 
may  at  once  order  a  second  ballot  for  the  purpose  of  correct- 
ing a  possible  mistake.    No  dispensation  shall  be  issued  to 


18     » 

r  a  Lodge  to  ballot  for  and  confer  the  degrees  upon  a  candi- 
date without  reference  to  a  committee  unless  the  application 
therefor  be  made  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  Lodge,  and 
of  the  special  Communication  to  be  holden  under  such  dis- 
pensation, and  the  purpose  thereof,  the  members  of  the 
Lodge  shall  have  due  notice. 

Sec.  3.  Of  Balloting  for  Candidates— Ho  Lodge,  unless 
it  be  otherwise  provided  in  its  By-Laws,  shall  have  more 
than  one  ballot  for  the  three  degrees;  but,  though  an  appli- 
cant be  elected  to  receive  them,  if,  at  any  time  before  his  in- 
itiation, objection  be  made  by  any  member,  he  shall  not 
receive  the  degree  until  such  objection  be  withdrawn; 
and  if,  after  his  initiation,  but  before  being  passed,  or  after 
passing,  before  being  raised,  objection  to  his  advancement 
be  made  by  any  member,  such  objection  shall  be  referred  to 
a  committee,  with  power  to  inquire  into  the  cause  thereof, 
who  shall,  at  the  next  stated  Communication,  report  thereon, 
and  upon  the  reception  of  such  report,  if  no  cause  for  the 
objection  has  been  assigned,  or  if  the  cause  assigned  be,  in 
the  opinion  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  not  a 
valid  and  Masonic  one,  the  Lodge  may  confer  the  degree  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  no  objection  had  been  made. 

Sec.  4.  Of  Proficiency— No  Lodge  shall  advance  an  En- 
tered Apprentice  or  Fellow  Craft  to  a  higher  degree  until 
after  a  strict  examination,  in  open  Lodge,  he  shows  himself 
proficient  and  well  qualified  in  what  he  has  already  received ; 
and  no  Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow  Craft  shallbe  advanced 
to  a  higher  degree  in  any  other  Lodge  without  the  official 
consent  of  the  Lodge  in  which  he  was  entered  or  passed, 
if  it  be  then  in  existence. 

Sec.  5,  Of  Fees  for  Degrees— -No  Lodge  within  this  juris- 
diction shall  confer  the  three  degrees  for  a  less  fee  than 
twenty-five  dollars;  and  in  every  case  the  fee  for  each,  or  all 
of  the  degrees,  as  may  be  regulated  by  the  Lodge,  shall  ac- 
company the  application.  The  fee  for  affiliation  shall  not  be 
Jess  than  five  dollars. 


19 

Sec.  6.  Of  Conferring  Degrees— No  Lodge  shall  confer  de- 
grees upon  more  than  five  candidates  at  any  one  Communi- 
cation, nor  shall  confer  more  than  one  degree  upon  any  one 
candidate  at  one  Communicaion,  nor  shall  confer  either  of 
the  degrees  upon  more  than  one  candidate  at  a  time.  No 
Lodge  shall  receive  lectures  from  any  person  who  is  not  duly 
authorized  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master.  No  Lodge 
shall  receive  an  application  for  affiliation  unless  it  is  accom- 
panied by  a  proper  dimit  from  the  Lodge  of  which  the  appli- 
cant was  last  a  member,  or  a  satisfactory  explanation,  in  writ- 
ing, of  his  inability  to  furnish  such  dimit.  No  Lodge  shall 
hold  Masonic  communication  with  any  Lodge  which  has 
been  declared  illegal  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  any  person  who 
has  received  degrees,  or  is  a  member  of  such  a  Lodge.  No 
Lodge  shall  admit  a  visitor  without  inquiry  or  examination, 
nor  if  there  be,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Master,  a  valid  objec- 
tion made  to  such  admission  by  a  member  of  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  7.  Of  Suspension  for  Non-Payment  of  Dues — No 
Lodge  shall  expel  a  member  for  the  non-payment  of  his 
dues;  but,  in  case  any  member  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  pay 
his  regular  dues  during  a  period  of  six  months,  he  shall  be 
notified  by  the  Secretary  that,  unless  at  the  next  stated  Com- 
munication, either  his  dues  be  paid,  or  sickness  or  inability 
to  pay  be  shown  as  the  cause  of  such  refusal  or  neglect,  he 
will  be  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Ma- 
sonry. If  neither  of  these  things  be  done,  he  shall  be  so 
suspended,  unless  for  special  reasons  shown,  the  Lodge 
may  otherwise  determine;  but  any  Mason  thus  suspended, 
who  shall,  at  any  time,  pay  the  arrearages  due  at  the  time 
of  his  suspension,  and  one  half  of  the  affiliation  fee,  he  shall 
by  that  act  be  restored. 

Sec.  8.  Of  Delegates-^No  Lodge,  until  chartered  and 
duly  constituted,  shall  be  entitled  to  representation  in  the 
Grand  Lodge,  but  a  Lodge  under  dispenstion  may  send  dele- 
gates there,  who  may  be  admitted  to  seats,  but  shall  have  no 
vote. 


20 
ARTICLE  IV. 

ELECTIONS  AND  OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  Of  Elective  Officers— The  Master,  Wardens, 
Treasurer  and  Secretary,  shall  be  elected  annually  by  ballot, 
at  the  stated  meeting  next  preceding  the  Anniversary  of  St. 
John  the  Evangelist,  or  at  a  special  Communication  ap- 
pointed for  that  particular  purpose  at  that  stated  Communi- 
cation. Every  Master  Mason,  who  is  a  member  in  good 
standing,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  at  all  elections ;  and  every 
voter  shall  be  eligible  to  any  office  in  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  Of  the  Master — The  Master  has  power  to  congre- 
gate his  Lodge  whenever  he  may  think  proper,  and  discharge 
all  its  executive  functions ;  to  issue,  or  cause  to  be  issued,  all 
summonses  and  notices  which  may  be  required,  and  to  per- 
form all  such  other  acts,  by  ancient  usage  proper  to  his  office, 
as  shall  not  be  in  contravention  of  any  provision  of  the  Con- 
stitution or  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  his  duty 
to  preside  at  all  Communications  of  his  Lodge ;  to  confer  all 
degrees  in  strict  accordance  with  the  ritual  which  has  been, 
or  may  hereafter  be,  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge ;  to  give,  in 
full,  the  lecture  appertaining  to  each  degree,  at  the  time  it  is 
conferred,  in  accordance  with  the  ritual;  to  superintend  the 
official  acts  of  all  the  officers  of  his  Lodge,  and  see  that  their 
respective  duties  are  properly  discharged ;  to  carefully  guard 
against  any  infraction  by  the  members  of  his  Lodge  of  its 
own  By-Laws,  of  the  Constitution  or  regulations  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  or  of  the  general  regulations  of  Masonry. 
From  the  decisions  of  the  Master  there  can  be  no  appeal  to 
the  Lodge,  but  objections  to  such  decisions  may  be  laid  be- 
fore the  Grand  Master,  and  by  him  be  dealt  with  as  the  case 
may  require.  In  all  cases  of  a  tie  vote,  except  elections,  the 
Master,  in  addition  to  his  proper  vote,  has  the  casting  vote. 

Sec.  3.  Of  the  Wardens—  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Wardens 
to  assist  the  Master  in  the  performance  of  his  duties,  and  to 
discharge  all  those  duties  which  ancient  usage  has  assigned 


21 

to  their  respective  stations.  In  the  absence  of  the  Master, 
the  Senior  Warden  (and  in  his  absence,  also,  the  Junior 
Warden)  shall  succeed  to  all  the  powers  and  duties  of  the 
Master. 

Sec.  4.  Of  the  Treasurer — It  is  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer 
to  receive  and  safely  keep  all  moneys  and  property  of  every 
kind  which  shall  be  placed  in  his  hands  by  *  order  of  the 
Lodge ;  to  disburse  or  transfer  the  same,  or  any  part  there- 
of, upon  the  order  of  the  Master,  duly  attested  by  the  Secre- 
tary ;  to  keep  a  book,  or  books,  wherein  a  correct  account 
of  his  receipts  and  disbursements  shall  be  exhibited;  to 
present  a  statement  of  the  finances  of  the  Lodge  whenever 
required,  and  to  perform  such  other  duties  appertaining  to 
his  office  as  the  By-Laws  may  require,  or  the  Lodge  may  at 
any  time  direct. 

Sec.  5.  Of  the  Secretary— -It  is  the  duty  of  the  Secretary 
to  record  all  the  proceedings  of  each  Communication  which 
are  proper  to  be  written,  under  the  direction  of  the  Master ; 
to  read  the  record  of  each  Communication  before  the  close 
of  the  Lodge  for  correction  or  approval,  and  at  the  opening 
of  each  stated  Communication,  read  the  record  of  the  last 
stated,  and  all  intervening  Communications  of  every  kind; 
to  prepare  and  transmit  a  copy  of  the  record,  or  any  part 
thereof,  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  when  required;  to  collect  and 
receive  all  money  due  to  the  Lodge,  and  pay  it  over  to  the 
Treasurer,  taking  his  receipt  for  the  same ;  to  keep  the  seal 
of  the  Lodge,  and  to  impress  the  same,  with  his  attestation, 
to  all  papers  issued  under  its  authority,  or  in  obedience 
to  the  requirements  of  the  Constitution  or  regulations  of 
the  Grand  Lodge;  to  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  im- 
mediately after  each  election  and  installation  in  the  Lodge,  a 
certificate  thereof,  with  list  of  officers;  to  transmit  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  the  annual  return  required  by  the  Consti- 
tutions ;  to  report  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  immediately  after 
their  occurrence,  all  rejections,  expulsions,  suspensions  and 
restorations;  he  shall  keep  a  record  book,  in  which  he  sha1 


t'l 

record  all  the  transactions  of  the  Lodge,  proper  to  be  writ- 
ten, after  the  same  shall  be  approved  by  a  vote  of  the 
Lodge,  and  signed  by  the  Worshipful  Master ;  a  roll  book, 
in  which  he  shall  record  the  names  of  all  belonging  to 
the  Lodge,  the  dates  of  their  initiation,  passing,  raising,  or 
affiliation,  the  name,  number  and  location  of  the  Lodges  of 
which  those  affiliated  were  last  members ;  the  age  and  occu- 
pation of  each  when  received ;  and  the  dates  of  their  with- 
drawal, expulsion,  suspension,  death  or  restoration;  a  reg- 
ister to  be  kept  in  the  Tyler's  room,  in  which  all  members, 
names  shall  be  recorded;  and  all  visitors  shall  record  their 
names  and  residence,  and  the  names,  numbers  and  locations 
of  their  respective  Lodges  before  entering  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  6.  Of  the  Appointed  Officers — The  Deacons,  Stewards 
and  Tyler  shall  perform  such  duties  by  the  ancient  usages 
of  the  Craft  appertaining  to  their  respective  offices,  as  may 
be  required  by  the  By-Laws,  or  directed  by  the  Master. 

Sec.  7.  Of  Virtual  Past  Masters — No  Warden  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  shall  enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office  until 
he  has  taken  the  degree  of  Past  Master ;  but  such  degree 
shall  give  him  no  rights  of  an  actual  P.*.  M.\,  being  only 
given  to  qualify  him  to  preside  in  the  Master's  absence. 

CHAPTER  V.— OF  INDIVIDUAL  MASONS. 

ARTICLE  I, 

OF   MEMBERSHIP. 

Section  1.  Acquisition  of  Membership — Membership  in 
a  Subordinate  Lodge  may  be  acquired  by  having  regularly 
received  the  degree  of  Master  Mason  therein,  by  having 
been  duly  elected  for  affiliation  therewith,  and  by  having 
been  named  as  one  of  the  petitioners  for  a  dispensation  for 
a  new  Lodge.  A  Mason  may  be  a  member  of  as  many  Lodges 
as  see  fit  to  receive  him,  provided  he  promptly  pays  his  dues 
<n  each. 

Sec.  2.  Dissolution  of  Membership — Membership  in  a 
Su\rdinate  Lodge  can  be  terminated  only  by  the  dissolu- 


23 

Won  of  the  Lodge ;  by  voluntary  withdrawal  therefrom ;  or 
by  death,  suspension  or  expulsion.  A  member  of  a  Lodge, 
in  good  standing,  whose  dues  are  paid,  may  withdraw  there- 
from at  any  time  by  giving  notice  of  his  intention  so  to  do 
at  a  stated  Communication  ;  but  no  recommendatory  cer^ 
tificate  shall  be  given  him,  except  by  a  vote  of  a  majority 
of  the1  members  of  the  Lodge  then  present. 

ARTICLE  II. 

CF   NON-AFFILIATES. 

Section  1.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  Master  Mason  to  be  a 
member  of  some  Lodge ;  and  any  one  who  shall  reside  six 
months  within  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge,  and  shall  refuse 
or  neglect  to  make  application  for  membership,  or  to  con- 
tribute an  amount  equal  to  at  least  one  half  its  regular 
dues,  while  able  to  do  so,  may,  at  the  option  of  such  Lodge, 
be  declared  unworthy  of  Masonic  consideration,  and  not  en- 
titled to  receive  any  of  the  rights,  privileges  or  charities  of 
the  Order. 

Sec.  2.  Of  Irregular  and  Clandestine  Masons — No  Mason 
shall  hold  any  Masonic  intercourse  with  an  expelled  or  sus- 
pended Mason ;  with  an  illegal  Lodge,  or  any  person  who 
has  received  degrees  therein,  or  is  a  member  thereof;  nor 
with  any  Mason  not  acknowledged  as  such  by  this  Grand 
Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  Penalties-r-For  any  violation  of  the  ancient  land- 
marks of  the  Order,  of  the  Constitution  and  regulations 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  of  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge,  or  of  any 
portion  of  the  Masonic  or  moral  law,  a  member,  or  any  other 
Mason  within  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge,  may  be  repriT 
manded,  suspended  or  expelled,  after  trial  and  conviction. 

ARTICLE   III. 

OF  TRIALS,  APPEALS,  AND  PENALTIES. 

Section  1.  Of  Charges  against  the  Master—  Charges  may 
be  preferred  against  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  for  abuse  of  his 


24 

power,  for  violation  of  the  Constitution  or  regulations  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  or  for  unmasonic  conduct  of  any  kind,  by 
any  seven  Master  Masons  in  good  standing;  which  charges 
shall  be  in  writing,  signed  by  all  the  seven,  and  shall  be  pre- 
sented to  the  Grand  Lodge,  if  in  session,  or  to  the  Grand 
Master  during  the  vacation.     Upon  the  presentation  of  such 
*    charges,  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  the  Grand  Master,  as  the  case 
may  be,  may  at  once  appoint  and  summon  three  disinterested 
Present  or  Past  Masters  of  Lodges,  to  assemble  as  Commis- 
sioners to  hear  and  decide  the  case ;  and  shall  then  summon 
the  accused  to  appear  and  answer  thereunto  at  the  time  and 
place  indicated  in  the  summons,  granting  him  such  time 
(not  less  than  ten,  nor  more  than  ninety  days,)  as  under 
the  circumstances  may  appear  reasonable,  and  transmitting 
to  him  a  copy  of  the  charges.    The  Commissioners,  or  either 
of  them,  shall  have  power  to  summon  witnesses  at  the  re- 
quest of  either  party,  who,  if  Masons,  shall  testify  on  their 
obligations  as  such ;  if  not,  their  depositions  shall  be  taken 
in  writing  and  sworn  to  before  an  officer  legally  authorized 
to  administer  oaths.     The  Commissioners  may  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  at  their  own  convenience,  or  for  good  cause 
shown  by  either  party, 'provided  that  the  period  within  which 
their  duties  shall  be  concluded  shall  not  exceed  ten  days, 
unless,  for  sufficient  reasons,  the  Grand  Master  shall  grant 
them  further  time.     The  decision  of  a  majority  of  the  Com- 
missioners shall  be  deemed  the  judgment  of  the  whole,  and 
shall  be  conclusive  unless  an  appeal  be  taken  at  the  next 
Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge.     The  penalties 
which  may  be  inflicted  by  such  Commissioners  may  be  rep- 
rimand,  deprivation    of   office,   suspension    or    expulsion. 
They  shall  keep  a  record  of  their  proceedings,  and  of  their 
judgment,  which  they  shall  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary 
at  the  conclusion  of  the  trial,   and  the  judgment  shall  at 
once  be  carried  into  effect  by  order  of  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  2.     Relative    to    Lodges   and    Members    of   Different 
Lodges — When  a  controversy  shall  arise  between  Lodges,  or 


25 

between  a  Lodge  and  a  member  or  members  of  another 
Lodge,  or  between  members  of  different  Lodges,  charges 
may  be  preferred  by  either  party,  if  in  good  standing; 
which  charges  shall  be  in  writing,  and  shall  be  presented  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master,  as  provided  in  Section  1 
of  this  Article.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges, 
three  Commissioners  may  be  appointed  and  summoned,  as 
provided  in  Section  1  of  this  Artiole,  which  Commissioners 
shall  be  Masters  or  Wardens,  and  shall  be  selected  from  at 
least  two  Lodges  not  interested  in  the  controversy,  and  most 
convenient  to  the  parties ;  and  the  accused  party  shall  be  sum- 
moned, with  such  time  to  answer  as  provided  in  the  preced- 
ing section.  The  Commissioners  shall  have  power  to 
proceed,  and  shall  keep  a  record  of  their  proceedings  and 
judgment,  as  in  the  preceding  Section;  and  the  penalties 
which  they  may  inflict,  may  be  any  known  to  Masonic  usage. 
If  the  case  be  one  not  involving  a  violation  of  Masonic  duty, 
it  shall  be  dismissed  with  a  reprimand  to  the  party  bringing 
the  charges. 

Sec.  3.  Relative  to  Masons  Individually — "When  any  mem- 
ber of  a  Lodge  (except  its  Master,  or  the  Grand  Master),  or 
any  Mason  residing  within  its  jurisdiction,  shall  be  accused 
of  unmasonic  conduct,  charges  to  that  effect  may  be  pre- 
ferred by  any  Master  Mason  in  good  standing;  which  charges 
shall  be  in  writing,  signed  by  himself,  and  presented  to  the 
Master  of  the  Lodge  having  jurisdiction  thereof.  Upon  the 
presentation  of  such  charges  at  a  stated  Communication,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Master  to  call  a  special  Communica* 
tion  of  his  Lodge  as  soon  as  practicable,  and  there  cause  to 
be  elected,  by  ballot,  three  of  its  members  as  Commissioners, 
to  hear  and  determine  upon  the  case  at  such  time  and  place 
convenient  to  the  parties  as  he  shall  indicate ;  and  he  shall 
also  summon  the  accused  and  the  accuser  to  be  present,  fur- 
nishing the  accused  with  a  copy  of  the  charges  against  him; 
and  the  trial  shall  proceed  in  all  respects,  as  to  time,  wit- 
nesses, et  cetera,  exactly  as  provided  in  the  first  Section  of 


26 

ffhis  Article,  except  where  the  address  of  the  accused  is  un- 
known; in  which  case  the  Master  may  order  the  trial  to  pro- 
ceed at  once  upon  the  testimony,  ex  parte.  The  judgment 
of  a  majority  of  the  Commissioners  shall  be  taken  as  the 
decision  of  the  whole ;  and  when  the  trial  is  concluded  the 
Secretary  shall  make  a  fair  copy  of  the  record  and  judgment 
under  their  supervision,  which  shall  be  signed  by  the  chair- 
,  man  of  such  commission,  and  attested  by  the  Secretary, 
shall  be  presented  to  the  Master,  who,  at  the  next  Communi- 
cation of  his  Lodge,  shall  announce  the  result,  and  direct 
the  Secretary  to  record  the  same  as  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge,  and  file  the  record  for  safe  keeping  among  its  ar- 
chives, The  penalties  which  may  be  inflicted,  are  repri- 
mand, suspension  and  expulsion.  If  the  sentence  be  repri- 
mand, the  Master  shall  summon  the  brother  to  appear  at  the 
next  stated  Communication,  when  it  shall  be  carrried  into 
effect  in  open  Lodge.  If  it  be  suspension  or  expulsion,  it 
shall  at  once  go  into  effect,  and  the  Secretary  shall  immedi- 
ately notify  the  Grand  Secretary  thereof,  and  it  shall  be  final 
and  conclusive,  unless  an  appeal  be  taken  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  or  the  Grand  Lodge  of  its  own  acccord  shall  see  fit  to 
modify  or  reverse  such  sentence.  An  appeal  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  its  next  Annual  Communication  may  be  taken  by 
either  party,  upon  notifying  the  Master  to  that  effect  within 
thirty  days  after  his  announcement  of  the  result  of  trial;  and 
in  all  cases  of  suspension  or  expulsion,  the  Master  shall 
cause  the  Secretary  to  prepare  a  transcript  of  the  record  of 
trial,  and  immediately  transmit  it  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
together  with  information  of  the  appeal  intended,  if  any 
there  be.  Lodges,  in  hearing  complaints  and  punishing  de- 
linquents, are  to  adhere  strictly  to  the  old  regulation,  viz : 
"If  a  complaint  be  made  against  a  brother,  and  he  be  found 
guilty,  he  shall  stand  to  the  determination  of  the  Lodge; 
but  if  the  accuser  or  complainant  cannot  support  his  charge, 
and  it  should  appear  to  the  Lodge  to  be  groundless,  being 
the  result  of  hatred,  malice,  or  some  unwarrantable  passion, 


he  shall  incur  such  penalty  as  the  accused  would  have  done 
had  he  been  duly  convicted." 

Sec.  4.  Of  Revision  and  Restorations — All  judgments 
from  which  an  appeal  may  be  taken  shall  be  reviewed  in  the 
Grand  Lodge,  or  before  a  committee  thereof,  during  its  ses- 
sions, upon  the  record  sent  up,  and  upon  such  other  proper 
documents  as  may  be  submitted;  and  its  decision  shall  be 
final  and  conclusive.  A  Lodge  may,  at  any  stated  meeting, 
by  .the  votes  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  annul 
any  sentence  of  suspension  pronounced  by  itself,  and  restore 
the  Mason  thus  suspended  to  all  his  Masonic  rights ;  provided 
that  notice  of  a  resolution  for  such  restoration  shall  have 
been  given  at  the  stated  meeting  next  preceding;  and  in 
case  of  such  restoration,  the  Secretary  shall  at  once  notify 
the  Grand  Secretary  thereof.  The  Grand  Lodge  may,  at  any 
Annual  Communication,  restore  a  Mason  who  has  been  sus- 
pended or  expelled  within  its  jurisdiction,  to  all  the  rights 
and  privileges  of  Masonry;  and  it  may,  in  addition,  if  it 
think  proper,  restore  him  to  membership  in  the  Lodge  from 
which  he  was  suspended  or  expelled.  No  suspension,  expul- 
sion, or  restoration  shall  be  published  except  by  authority 
of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

OF   AMENDMENTS. 

Section  1.  How  Amendments  may  be  Proposed — Any  pro- 
posed amendment  to  these  Constitutions  shall  be  presented 
on  the  first  or  second  day  of  an  Annual  Communication,  and 
shall,  in  every  case,  be  referred  to  a  special  committee,  with 
instructions  to  report  thereon  prior  to  the  election  of  Grand 
officers.  After  the  report  of  said  committee,  if  two-thirds 
of  the  votes  present  be  cast  in  favor  of  the  proposed  amend- 
ment, it  shall  be  declared  adopted,  and  from  and  after  the 
close  of  that  Communication,  shall  become  a  part  of  the 
Constitution.  No  vote  upon  a  proposed  amendment  shall  be 
taken  after  the  election  of  Grand  officers. 


